Questions raised by local citizens, whether members of a recently formed watchdog group or critics of the former Fire Chief Joe Piccinini deserve prompt attention by the Anderson Fire Protection District.
I don't believe that anyone could ever argue that any fire fighting organization anywhere should neglect its training and fitness programs.
Yet, that is what former interim Fire Chief Roy DelCarlo and recently resigned Fire Chief Joe Piccinini each found, independently, when becoming acquainted with the Anderson Fire Protection District.
Is it a coincidence that both were hired away from long careers in larger cities where professionalism was demanded? I think not!
Not only that, but Anderson's building and fire protection codes were woefully outdated when Piccinini came aboard, a review of the fire district's own meeting minutes from October and November 2007 reveals.
In October 2007, then-Battalion Chief Andy Nichols, now acting Fire Chief, informed the fire board that "there are several other cities that already have sprinkler ordinances in place including Redding, Red Bluff, Woodland, etc.
At that time, the board had yet to adopt the International Fire Code and the California Fire Code.
"If the City Grill would have had sprinklers, it would still be here," Nichols reportedly commented during a discussion with fire board members during which someone stated that local commercial builders might not like the sprinkler regulations.
Too bad! Sprinklers in homes and commercial buildings save lives and property.
Ultimately, whatever caused our Fire Chief to resign his position is the responsibility of the fire board.
Monday, July 13, begins the filing period for citizens interested in running for one of five elected positions on a brand new fire board. The old methods of appointing city council members and their patrons or cronies are over.
The citizens have, by referendum, declared their majority interest in electing a separate and independent fire board, one that won't be distracted by city business.
Meanwhile, the existing appointed board is left to clean up the mess left behind when it called for an investigation of the district's management practices.
Where were they before the investigation? Weren't they part of the fire district's management? They should be.
Whether undertaken by the appointed, lame duck board or a yet-to-be-elected new fire board, the fire district personnel need a clear set of directions under which to operate. Taxpayers deserve reasonable protection of resources.
These policies, practices and procedural safeguards should have already been in place. If they weren't, the public deserves an answer as to why they were not.
And if they were in place, why did the community have to undergo a expensive, contentious "secret" investigation into a process that should be open and transparent?
It is not acceptable to just sweep this mess under a rug.
After all, it's a matter of life or death.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 1
LuvAnderson writes:
Mr. Winship, you said it well. We, as Anderson residents, desire a safe community.
If both Mr. DeCarlo and Mr. Piccinini tried to bring in the same safety codes, and were asked to resign, where does that leave us? It leaves us right back in the hands of this "unholy trinity" or "good ol' boys system."
It is time for this Fire Board to step down and leave the decision making to the newly elected board. But, no, I am sure they will want their "cronies" in place as soon as possible. That way they can leave their legacy behind-you know, the micromanagement of everything this city tries to do right. The "unholy trinity" should resign, NOW, from every position they hold in Anderson. Just as they forced the last two Chiefs to step down, they should be forced to do the same. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Does Comnick really think she can offer bribe money from her campaign funds? It is illegal, folks. Does Schaefer really think he can yell and spit in a resident's face, slam the Handi Spot Market and get away with it? Evidently he does. Does Webster really think we believe him when he says he FORGOT to report $15,000 and recuse himself from votes concerning the property by the river? Evidently, he does.
Unless we, the citizens of Anderson, stand up and call for their resignations, they will continue with business as usual, continuing to think that they do have the right to run things as they see fit. The only problem--their thinking is skewed! They need to call it a day, pack it in and resign now!!
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